Slow Cooker Pub Style Beef Stew
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a taste of a proper pub style beef stew without leaving your kitchen? This beef stew crockpot recipe is the answer.
It’s hearty, it's delicious, and it’s so simple even I can't mess it up!
Brief Overview
This is slow cooker beef stew inspired by classic British pubs. It's proper comfort food recipes that’s easy to make.
Prep takes about 20 minutes, then let the slow cooker do its magic for 4- 8 hours. This recipe makes enough for 6-8 hungry people.
Main Benefits
Honestly, this is one of my favourite easy beef stew recipes to make. The biggest highlight is that it frees you up to do other things while it simmers away.
It's perfect for a chilly Sunday or any day you need a good, filling meal. What makes it special? The rich gravy and super tender beef!
Ready for the ingredients and how to make this awesome one-pot beef stew ?
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe Essentials
Let’s talk ingredients for the ultimate slow cooker beef stew , shall we? This easy beef stew is all about simple goodness.
Honestly, finding the right stuff makes all the difference. It's a proper comfort food recipe , you know?
Main Players in This One-Pot Beef Stew
Alright, here's the shopping list. We are talking about the hearty stew recipes
- Beef Chuck Roast: 2 lbs (900g). Look for marbling. It's the secret to tenderness.
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml). Nothing fancy.
- Onion: 1 large, chopped. About 1 cup (150g).
- Carrots: 2 , peeled and chopped. That's about 1 cup (125g).
- Celery: 2 stalks, chopped. Aim for 1 cup (100g).
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Don't be shy!
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 tbsp (25g), plus extra for coating the beef.
- Dried Thyme: 1 tsp (5ml). That classic stew vibe.
- Dried Rosemary: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml). Adds a bit of warmth.
- Bay Leaf: Just 1 . Don’t forget to take it out later.
- Beef Broth: 4 cups (950ml). Go for a good quality one.
- Dark Ale: 1 cup (240ml). Like Guinness.
- Yukon Gold Potatoes: 1 lb (450g), peeled and quartered.
- Frozen Peas: 1 cup (150g). Chuck 'em in at the end.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tbsp (15ml). Adds depth.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously.
- Parsley: Optional, for garnish.
For the beef, look for a good amount of marbling. It melts down and makes the stew super tender. Good broth also really helps with the flavor.
For a pub style beef stew , the ale is key. But you can swap it with more broth if you prefer.
Seasoning Secrets
Thyme and rosemary? Essential . Worcestershire sauce adds that je ne sais quoi . If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Boom!
Essential Kit
You don't need much. I have prepared this recipe for my friends and I assure you, that you will have a fantastic result.
- Slow Cooker (6-quart or larger): Obviously!
- Large Skillet: For searing the beef. A Dutch oven works too.
- Basic Stuff: Cutting board, knife, measuring cups. You know?
Honestly, that’s it. This crockpot beef stew recipe easy to make. You really don't need fancy gadgets to achieve delicious results.
I promise! My own tender beef stew is a testament to that!
Now, let's get cooking this amazing beef stew with ale . I will tell you about this experience, after I show you how to cook it.
Slow Cooker Pub Style Beef Stew: Your New Comfort Food Obsession
Oh my gosh, are you ready for the ultimate comfort food recipes ? This beef stew crockpot recipe is seriously a game changer.
It’s like getting a warm hug from your grandma, but, you know, in stew form. Think proper Pub style beef stew , packed with flavour and fall apart tender beef.
Ready to ditch the stress and dive into deliciousness? Let's do this!
Prep Like a Pro: The Mise en Place Magic
First things first, let’s get organized. Chop your 1 large onion (about 1 cup, 150g ), 2 carrots (about 1 cup, 125g ), and 2 celery stalks (about 1 cup, 100g ).
Cube your 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck roast into 1 inch pieces. Mince those 2 cloves garlic , too. Having everything ready before you start cooking? Total lifesaver.
Trust me.
Slow Cooking: A step-by-step to Tender beef stew
- Coat the Beef: In a bowl, toss beef with 2 tbsp (25g) all-purpose flour , salt, and pepper.
- Sear for Flavor: Heat 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Sear the beef in batches until browned. Don't overcrowd the pan!
- Sauté the Veggies: Add onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until softened, about 5- 7 minutes. Add garlic for the last minute.
- Deglaze the Pan: Pour in 4 cups (950ml) beef broth and 1 cup (240ml) dark ale (Guinness is amazing!). Scrape up those browned bits flavor bomb alert!
- Crockpot Time: Transfer everything to your slow cooker. Add 1 tsp (5ml) dried thyme , 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) dried rosemary , 1 bay leaf , and 1 tbsp (15ml) Worcestershire sauce .
- Slow Cooker Magic: Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours , until the beef is super tender.
- Potatoes In: Add 1 lb (450g) Yukon Gold potatoes , peeled and quartered, during the last 2 hours of low cooking or the last 1 hour on high.
- Finishing Touch: Stir in 1 cup (150g) frozen peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Remove the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper. Boom!
Pro Tips for a Next Level Crockpot beef stew recipe easy
Want to take your beef stew with ale from good to amazing ? Sear that beef! Seriously, don't skip it.
It’s all about building flavour. Common mistake? Not scraping up those browned bits when deglazing. Get in there! And If you want to make-ahead? This stew is even better the next day.
Hearty stew recipes for the win.
This slow cooker beef stew is honestly one of my favourite things to make. It's proper one-pot beef stew , so cleaning up is a breeze, and it's so full of flavour.
I hope you love this easy beef stew as much as I do!. Serve with a side of crusty bread, and you're golden!
Recipe Notes: Your Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe Companion
Right, so you're about to embark on this easy beef stew adventure? Ace! Here's the lowdown on a few extra bits to make sure your slow cooker beef stew is a right proper success.
I'm not talking about changing the fabric of time, just getting the best result.
Plating & Presentation for Your Pub Style Beef Stew
Honestly, you could just shovel it into a bowl and be done with it. But if you wanna be a bit fancy, a nice dollop of mashed potatoes on top looks dead posh.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour. Serve it in a rustic bowl for that proper pub style beef stew vibe.
This is one of those comfort food recipes that's even better if it's presented nicely. A perfect hearty stew recipes for any night of the week.
Storage for Leftover Beef Stew with Ale
Got leftovers? Lucky you. Pop them in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. They'll be grand for up to 3 days.
To reheat, just microwave it until piping hot, or gently simmer it on the hob. Fancy freezing? That works too! Just let it cool completely before putting it in a freezer safe container.
It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat as above.
Beef Stew Crockpot Recipe Variations Making it Your Own
Fancy a change? If you’re trying to cut down on the meat, chuck in some extra mushrooms. They soak up all that lovely flavour.
For a seasonal twist, try adding swede or parsnips in the autumn. They add a touch of sweetness.
Nutrition Lowdown
This tender beef stew is packed with protein from the beef. It also has loads of vitamins and fibre from the veggies.
It's a good source of energy. A one-pot beef stew that is a healthy and wholesome meal. Remember that the calorie count is an estimate.
I can say it's an easy beef stew that is full of vitamins.
So, there you have it! A slow cooker beef stew packed with flavor. No matter what the weather, this beef stew crockpot recipe is sure to warm you from the inside out.
Give it a go, and don't be afraid to experiment! This is a Crockpot beef stew recipe easy even for beginners.
You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this beef stew crockpot recipe ahead of time? Like, on a Sunday for a midweek meal?
Absolutely! In fact, the flavors of this beef stew crockpot recipe often deepen and improve overnight. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you're ready to serve, simply reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave a bit like reheating a proper Full English breakfast!
My stew seems a little watery. How do I thicken my beef stew crockpot recipe?
No worries, a watery stew is easily fixed! The simplest solution is to remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch (cornflour) with a little cold water to form a slurry and stir it into the stew during the last 30 minutes of cooking, which will help thicken it like a proper gravy you'd have with a Sunday roast!
What's the best cut of beef to use for this beef stew crockpot recipe?
Chuck roast is generally considered the gold standard for beef stew. It has a good amount of marbling (fat) that renders down during the long cooking process, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful beef similar to a well marbled ribeye but far more economical for stew.
Stew meat can be used in a pinch, but chuck roast will give you the best results.
Can I freeze leftover beef stew?
Yes, you can! Let the stew cool completely, then transfer it to freezer safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top as the liquid will expand when frozen. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months perfect for a quick and easy meal on a cold winter's evening!
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
I don't have dark ale on hand. Is there a good substitute for the ale in the beef stew crockpot recipe?
No problem at all! If you don't have dark ale, you can substitute it with an equal amount of beef broth for a similar depth of flavor. Another excellent option is red wine a dry red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot adds a lovely richness.
Just be sure to choose something you'd happily drink alongside the stew too!
Is this beef stew crockpot recipe healthy?
This beef stew can be a part of a healthy diet! It's packed with protein and fiber from the beef and vegetables. To make it even healthier, you can trim excess fat from the beef before cooking and use low-sodium beef broth to control the sodium content.
Remember the nutritional information is an estimate, so tracking your portion sizes is always a good idea!
Slow Cooker Pub Style Beef Stew
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450-550 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-30g |
| Fiber | 5-7g |
